Embedded Files
March 11, 2025
In July 2021, aspiring vlogger Gabby Petito went on a cross-country van trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. Months later, on Sept. 19, 2021, the 22-year old’s body was found near the border of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. On Feb. 17, 2025, three and a half years later, Netflix released a chilling three-part documentary series, covering every aspect of the case. There are many debates about the ethics of true crime documentaries; whether or not they really bring “justice” to the victim, or if they simply create chaos and drama in a time of heavy grieving. “American Murder: Gabby Petito” without a doubt highlights the best parts of true crime, and the real benefits it can provide to the world.
"American Murder: Gabby Petito" documentary preview cover (Photo Credit: Netflix)
The series is divided up into three parts, each capturing a vital stage in Petito’s story. The first episode introduces the most important people to know when trying to understand this case, and it covers the separation of Petito and Laundrie by law enforcement after a 911 call for a domestic dispute, the catalyst for the tragic events that occurred in the following weeks. In the second part, Petito is reported missing after over a week of her family being unable to reach her, and the episode focuses on the search for both her and Laundrie, bringing in federal staff to engage in the case. The finale brings closure for the viewers, establishing a detailed timeline and ultimately coming to the conclusion that Laundrie murdered Petito, staged the crime scene, and just weeks later committed suicide, “admitting” to a fake storyline in a letter.
As a whole, this documentary was produced and structured incredibly well. The interviews with her family and friends made the film series so real and truly brought it to life, making each episode heartbreaking and thought provoking. Viewers can really get a sense for the dynamics between Petito and her family, Laundrie’s family, and their friends.
The documentary also brought very real issues in society today into light, mainly addressing the prominent problem of domestic violence not being taken as seriously as often as it should be. It also touched on the lack of resources and help available to many people in abusive relationships, and the underrepresentation of women of color in media, especially when it comes to missing persons cases.
In Petito’s case, there had been obvious indicators of emotional abuse and violence in her relationship with Laundrie. There is at least one recorded incident of him physically abusing her, with the Moab police incident in which the two were separated, and Petito’s peers also recount ways he emotionally manipulated and abused the 22-year-old.
Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie in their van used to travel the US (Photo Credit: Netflix's "American Murder: Gabby Petito")
Gabby Petito pictured in the Netflix documentary "American Murder: Gabby Petito" (Photo Credit: NBC)
“Brian had a very dark side of him… even in his art, you could see it,” said Petito’s close friend, Rose Davis, in the documentary. Davis consistently shows concern for Petito’s safety, recounting that she had seen her friend mentally suffer because of Laundrie. Jackson Hufham, Petito’s ex-boyfriend, even recalls the days before her murder where she spoke to him about wanting to get away from Laundrie. “I think that she wasn’t sure of what he would do, or what he could do,” he said.
In response to her tragic death, Petito’s family founded the Gabby Petito Foundation, with the goals of preventing another family from experiencing the same loss they did.
Petito’s case caught the eye of millions of people around the globe, influencing many to leave their abusive partners and many more to become involved in organizations that strive to prevent tragedies. “American Murder: Gabby Petito” truly captured Petito’s story in a way that was respectful to her and her family, but also in a way that served as a true portrayal of what true crime is meant to do; educate the world on someone’s story to prevent the same thing from happening again.
Visit the Gabby Petito Foundation for resources on domestic violence and to support domestic violence victims.
Sources: “American Murder: Gabby Petito”, The Gabby Petito Foundation
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